The Israelites were entering a new phase of life. Slavery in Egypt had totally destroyed their confidence and outlook of life. They lived as bonded laborers working hard to survive. So God had to teach and train them with detailed rules and instructions.

God told the Israelites that they had to celebrate three important feasts every year (Ex 23:14-16). And God told them that three times a year all the Israelite males must come before Him (Ex 23:17).

Number three is unique in the Bible. Jesus Christ was tempted thrice. Jesus prayed three times for the cup of suffering to be removed. Peter denied Jesus thrice. Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days. Paul prayed three times for his thorn to be removed.

Number three is special in the Bible. Number three Biblically represents divine wholeness, completeness and perfection. God had a specific reason for the males to appear before him three times every year.

The Bible says that David prayed three times a day. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice (Ps 55:17). Daniel had the habit of praying three times every day (Dan 6:10). He knelt down, prayed and thanked God thrice every day.

In the New Testament era we can pray every where, anywhere and all 24/7. And the call for prayer includes women also.

This pattern of praying three times is written in the Bible for us to follow. As we enter August, a new month, why don’t we also kneel, pray and give thanks to the Lord three times a day. And we need to come before Him with a grateful and thankful heart.

God bless us to be channels of blessings.

Mrs Sheela Jebakumar ✍️
01-08-2020